TULA’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, DEHRADUN

STUDY FROM HOME

ENRICHMENT WORKSHEET NO: 3 TOPIC: Introduction to Instant Messaging
Name of Student:

Class: X Subject: Information Technology Date: ___/____/ _____

Instructions: Read the notes provided below and learn them. Solve the sheet given at the end of the notes.

Sunil Singh
(sunil.singh@tis.edu.in)

SESSION 3: INTRODUCTION TO INSTANT MESSAGING

Relevant Knowledge

Instant messaging (IM) is a form of communication over the Internet that offers an instantaneous transmission of
text-based messages from sender to receiver.

Most instant messaging software include the option for performing file transfers, audio chat, video calling and
conferencing, sharing desktops, etc. apart from standard text chat.

Instant messaging software is widely used for personal and commercial use

1. Unlike email, instant messaging happens in real-time and the response from participants can be
spontaneous.

2. Some instant messaging software allows users to view messages received when they are not logged
on. These are called “Offline Messages”.

3. For utilizing audio and video chat or conferencing, you need to have microphones and headsets or
speakers and web cameras so that users can talk or see each other.

Key Features of an instant messaging are as follows:

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• Text Messages can be sent to one or more person (Similar to SMS)

• Audio calling and conferencing.
• Video calling and conferencing.
• File transfers (Not limited to documents, spread sheets, audio files, video files, etc.)
• Message history (Save messages for future reference).

Instant Messaging Account

Participants messaging to each other need to be signed in to the same instant messaging software.

Note: If you have any query regarding the worksheet contact on 9012522214 or mail at sunil.singh@tis.edu.in
To use instant messaging software, a user must have a valid instant messaging account.

Instant messaging accounts differ in formats; some instant messaging software such as Yahoo! Messenger,
Windows Live Messenger use email addresses for managing the account and software such as Skype use
standard names.

Instant Messaging Services

There are two kinds of instant messaging software - application based and Web based.
• Application based instant messaging software is downloaded and installed on user’s computer. Some of
the popular instant messaging software are:
• Google Talk
• Yahoo! Messenger
• Skype
• Windows Live Messenger
• Rediff Bol, etc.
• Web based instant messaging software is accessed using browsers such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla
Firefox, Google Chrome, etc. Some of the popular web based instant messaging software are:
• Meebo
• Yahoo! Messenger for the Web
• MSN Web Messenger
• IMO, etc.

Google Talk is an instant messaging service that provides both text and voice communication developed by
Google Inc. Google Talk can also be used for making video calls and to view updates from GMAIL mailbox.

Google Talk is free and is available as application based (users need to download and install Google Talk
application to their desktops, mobiles or laptops) and web based (users can use Google Talk through a browser
after signing into their Gmail account).

There are some general rules and etiquettes to be followed while chatting. They are almost the same as those
that apply for emails.
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• Messages should be short and to the point.

• Always introduce yourself by name if your screen name doesn’t reflect it.
• Always ask if the other person has time to chat first - regardless of how important you think what you have
to say is, it’s not going to be well received if the recipient is busy.
• In a business environment, know exactly what you want to discuss.
• Typing your messages in uppercase is extremely rude - it’s considered shouting and very aggressive.
• Give people time to respond - Multiple questions sent to a recipient before they’ve had a chance to answer
can seem more like an interrogation rather than a conversation.

Note: If you have any query regarding the worksheet contact on 9012522214 or mail at sunil.singh@tis.edu.in
 • Wherever possible, give the person you are communicating with your undivided attention. It’s not just a
sign of respect, but if you have multiple conversations happening or are allowing other issues to distract
you, you may miss an important point in the other person’s messages or lose the gist of the
conversation.
• It’s important to properly end an IM conversation - you may think the chat is over, but the other person may
not. While you’re off doing other things, they may be sitting there staring at the screen waiting for
further communication from you!!

ASSEMSSMENT

Answer the following question based on above topics.

1. What is Instant Messaging?

2. What are Offline Messages?

3. Name the hardware that are used for audio and video chat or conferencing.

4. Which kind of file can be transfer while using Instant Messaging?

5. What are the key features of Instant Messaging?

6. Which instant Messaging use email addresses for managing the account.

7. Which instant Messaging use standard name for managing the account.

8. What are the two kinds of instant messaging software? Name them.

9. What is Application based instant messaging software? Name any three.

10. What is Web based instant messaging software? Name any two.

11. What is Google Talk?

12. List any 5 general rules and etiquettes to be followed while chatting.
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Note: If you have any query regarding the worksheet contact on 9012522214 or mail at sunil.singh@tis.edu.in